Complexity Theory
Our approach is rooted in Complexity Theory, which is a set of theoretical frameworks used to analyse complex systems. A system consists of elements (parts) and the connections between them (relationships). Complex systems exhibit characteristics such as numerosity, interdependence, nonlinearity, emergence, adaptation, self-organisation, and feedback loops. When examining complex systems, we explore how collective behaviours emerge from the relationships between their parts and how the system interacts with its environment, creating relationships with it.
In the world of talent assessments, this means recognising that individuals are not merely elements within a complex system (i.e., an organisation); they are complex systems themselves. For instance, personality traits, instead of being fixed or predictable, can exhibit intricate dynamics and change over time, with new traits emerging as a result of the interplay between various factors, including environmental influences and personal experiences. Moreover, individuals organise their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in a manner unique to them, and feedback loops can involve interactions between an individual's personality and their environment, creating a reciprocal influence where one affects the other and vice versa. As assessors, we continually zoom in and out to make sense of multiple levels of relationship and emergence
This approach enables us to provide the most accurate description of a person’s work-related characteristics and their potential interactions with their work environment.
